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On March 18, 2017, the Lockport Express announced they would be relocating to the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion in Niagara Falls, New York for the 2017-18 season. The release stated that the organization would also be developing lower level teams along with the ownership of the new arena. The release stated that it was strictly a business decision and that there were no issues with the city or arena in Lockport. The team was renamed the Niagara Falls PowerHawks on April 6th.

In mid-November the Nashville Jr. Predators had apparently folded.[5] However, the league has tried to obtain new ownership to run the team to save the franchise and cancelled several of the team's games during November.[6] By the time that Jersey Shore is removed from the league Nashville is not listed on the league website anymore.

On December 5, 2017 the league terminated the membership of the Jersey Shore Wildcats reportedly over the team owing the league money.[7]

With the exception of the Midwest Division the top four teams qualify for the playoffs. The Midwest Division was down to three teams by the start of the playoffs so all three qualified with the first place team earning a by to the division final.